Program Overview

Air Transport Planning and Management MSc

Overview

This course has been developed to meet the needs of graduates worldwide seeking to gain greater knowledge and experience of the air transport industry, and looking to progress into senior roles in management, operations and commercial planning of airlines, airports, government departments and aviation-related businesses such as aircraft manufacturing, finance and consultancy.

Course Structure

The course builds on the successful series of aviation short courses that have attracted participants from around the globe to the University each year. The School has a long-established interest in air transport research, consultancy and teaching, having been set up by the renowned aviation academic Professor Rigas Doganis some 40 years ago.

Modules on both the one-year full-time course and the two-year part-time course are taught in blocks of five days at a time. Students take six taught modules in total (over one year on the full-time course, or two to three years on the block release part-time course) and complete a research dissertation.

Core Modules

Air Transport Economics

In this module you will examine the structure of the airline industry and the international regulatory regime within which it operates. You will analyse airline costs and revenues, relating them to financial performance, and examine airport economics along with key concepts in airport operations and planning.

Air Transport Forecasting and Market Research

Through this module you will consider methods for analysing air traffic, forecasting the demand for air services and modelling the pattern of future airline operations. Market research techniques are explained, including questionnaire design and interpretation of survey data.

Air Transport Management and Operations

In this module you will develop techniques for optimising the airline and airport product. These are based upon strategic management thinking and an understanding of the nature of demand for air travel.

Research Dissertation (Air Transport)

This module gives you an opportunity to undertake in-depth research on an air transport topic of your choice, and present analysis, conclusions and recommendations in a written report.

Option Modules

Air Traffic Management, Scheduling and Network Planning

You will examine issues in air traffic management, including economic, regulatory and performance aspects as well as the key factors of network planning and airline scheduling.

Air Transport Policy and Planning

In this module you will consider the wider consequences of air services from economic, social and environmental viewpoints.

Airline Marketing and Business Models

In this module you will examine airline marketing strategies including advertising media and messages, the distribution of the airline product, customer loyalty schemes and brand management.

Airport Finance and Strategy

In this module you will develop techniques for optimising the airline and airport product.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). If you do not have formal academic qualifications we will consider an application if you have substantial (normally at least three years) relevant work experience in the air transport industry.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Tuition Fees

UK

£10,900 (Price per academic year)

International

£18,000 (Price per academic year)

Careers

This course brings together people who wish to move into the industry and those already working in the aviation field who seek to progress their careers further.

If you’re a full-time student without a background in the air transport industry, you’ll be well placed to take up a junior position in a planning, management and operational role with airlines and airports after completing this course.

If you have an industry background you should be able to return to your position with new skills and understanding, plus a greater maturity of approach. You’ll be well placed to move into senior managerial, policy or research functions.

Research Groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

• Transport and Mobilities Research Group

Location

In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.

Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.